Mark Stephenson
Welcome, I'm Mark, a Canadian contemporary representational artist creating works that reflect my local environment. With so many distractions it's easy to miss what is living around us, in our backyards, our parks and neighbourhoods. For me, it's the birds that have caught my attention and imagination. As I observe them, I get drawn into their world, see their personality, what makes each and every one unique and a story develops. I approach each work as I would a portrait painting, a journey to find the character and likeness while including my own thoughts on their stories in the process. I hope you enjoy the birds of my neighbourhood.
My work centres around experience, either one I've experienced or an experience I'm creating. The personal connection a person, a location, or an bird brings me joy as I create in and out of the studio.
Drawings and paintings of birds begins close to home. I go for regular walks at Beaver Pond in Kanata, often with my camera, photographing, listening and spending time with the birds I see along the way. Inspiring me to create new works.
Projects are often where my professional background in design blends into my artistic practice. I'm out to shape thoughts, create an experience and explore my own limitations. Projects have included interactive electronic art, painting social media portraits, monocles, and live painting; all cumulating in shared experiences.
/pixels/images/Windows_of_Opportunity_by_Mark_Stephenson-ID-d9856a82-f516-4098-878d-52f4a87a44ab.jpg)
A self portrait created during a time self reflection and healing.
Windows of opportunity (self portrait) by Mark Stephenson, oil on canvas, 2015
Artists Statemenet
Mark is Canadian contemporary representational artist creating works that reflect his local environment. With so many distractions it's easy to miss what is living around us, in our backyards, our parks and neighbourhoods. For Mark, it's the birds that have caught his attention, drawing him into their world. Approaching each work as he would a portrait; Mark embarks on a journey discover the stories of the birds of his neighbourhood.
Daytime
During the day I'm the Chief Designer at Pagecloud, an tech startup in Ottawa that is out to revolutionize the way we create web sites (like this one). If you haven't used the Pagecloud website builder, you should!
You can check me out LinkedIn for more about my design work.
Community
It's important to give back to your community, I focus my volunteer efforts towards creating a prosperous environment for arts and culture in Ottawa.
Figureworks, Past President
Figureworks is an international annual juried art prize and celebration of the art of the human form held in Canada’s capital, Ottawa. Our mission at Figureworks is to cultivate and exhibit art of the human form. Visit Figureworks
Kanata Art Club, Life drawing studio coordinator
I coordinate the booking of models, life drawing sessions along with studio setup.
Galleries
/pixels/images/image-vfa13.png)
Kanata Civic Art Gallery
As of 2024 I've become a member of the Kanata Civic Art Gallery and occasionally have work on display.
2500 Campeau Dr.Kanata, Ontario, Canada
Exhibition history
Juried & Curated
2018:
Ottawa Art Gallery – Part and Parcel
Figureworks Finalists Alumi Popup – Wallack Galleries
Arts Network Ottawa - Selections 2018
CSArt Group Show at Art House
Ottawa Art Gallery – Annex Gallery
All Hands on Deck at Beyond the Pale Brewing
2017:
CSArt M Installation + Solo show
Foyer Gallery (Artist-run gallery, juried)
Social Portraits at City of Ottawa Trinity Gallery
2016:
Figureworks (juried by Tom Campbell, Stephen Frew and Katherine McNenly)
AOE Selections (juried)
Artwork at Ottawa Art Gallery Rental & Sales (juried)
EBA (Enriched Bread Artists) Open Studio group show
CSArt Ottawa 2016/17 Season Visual Artist (curated by Megan Monafu and CSArt board, paid fees)
Firefly, Maker Fair Ottawa
AOE Artinis showcased artist (live painting)
Pop-up gallery and live painting Social Portraits, Art School Fair
Hit and Run, La Petit Mort
Live Painting, Hintonburg Happening
2015:
Patrick Gordon Group Show (curated by Patrick Gordon)
Figureworks (juried by Katherine McNenly, Shahla Bahrami and Joël A. Prévost)
Chinatown Remixed - Social Portraits
EROS, Arbor Gallery (curated by John Olsthoorn)
Firefly, Maker Fair Ottawa
2014:
AOE Selections - Jury Choice Award for oil portrait ‘Pondering’ (juried)
Figureworks (juried by Kristy Gordon, Andrew Morrow and Mat Dubé)
The List installation, Nuit Blanche Ottawa Gatineau (curated by Megan Smith)
Nuit Blanche Ottawa Gatineau HipsterMonocle (curated by Megan Smith)
Live painting, Hintonburg Happening After Party
2013:
Figureworks (juried by Brian Smith, Rosemary Breault-Landry and Pamela Cockcroft-Laserre)
Firefly Installation, Nuit Blanche Ottawa Gatineau (curated by Megan Smith)
HipsterMonocle, Creative Cities Summit in Ottawa (curated by ArtEngine)
Winner of the 2013 Art Battle Ottawa Championship & participation in nationals at the AGO
Fundraisers
2023: All Hands on Deck
2022: OAC Luck
2018: OAC Luck
2018: All Hands on Deck
2017: OAC Luck
2016: OAC Luck
2015: OAC Luck, SAW Gallery Sketch, SweetHeARTs - Fundraiser for Carleton University AHGSS
2014: SAW Gallery Sketch
2013: OAC Luck
Grants and other
2017: Articipate Grant for Social Potraits Exhibition at the Trinity Gallery
2016: Crowdfunding campaign (~10K) to help support the Social Portraits series
2016: CSArt Grant for 2016-17 Season
2014: OAC (Ontario Arts Council) Emerging Media Arts Grant (10K) for Firefly V2
2013: Awesome Ottawa Grant (1K)
Published:
Illusion Magazine (online) Fine Art Nude Photography and Painting on ello
CTV Morning Interview (http://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=830754)
Variety of articles in Ottawa Citizen, Metro and Apt 613 related to Social Portraits
Artist Spotlight on Faison-ici (http://faisons-ici.ca/tagged/Mark-B-Stephenson)
Strokes of Genius 8: Expressive Texture Book (jurried competition, book published by Artists Network)
Ottawa Arts Review Magazine - Drawing ‘a dash of red’ on front cover
